Mathematics student wins Cardiff Spark Ideas competition 2017

10 May 2017

Alex (left) receiving his award at this year's Spark Competition

Cardiff University Mathematics PhD student Alex Safar has been crowned winner of this year's Cardiff Spark Ideas competition with his unique proposal of 3D printing Cellular Structures that can dramatically reduce vibration and impact.

The idea greatly impressed the judges at this year’s competition and Alex will now receive support to develop his fantastic concept further with a share of the £5,000 prize money.

Alex’s winning idea utilises 3D printing to create unique lattice geometry structures that can dramatically reduce and dampen vibrations and impact using its tailorable stiffness. Alex explains in his video how this technology could be used in a range of industrial areas to provide vibration dampening, such as aerospace, or in construction where the technology could be used to prevent HAVS – Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.

“Additive manufacture (3D printing) is revolutionising 21st century engineering and the technology is set to continue improving”, explained Alex. This means new types of materials can be designed that would have previously been impossible to manufacture, with properties tailored exactly for use.

Alex said, “I am extremely pleased to be announced as one of the winners of this fantastic competition, it has given me the platform to take my idea further and who knows, maybe we’ll see my idea applied in industry!”

The Spark Ideas competition is open to all Cardiff University students and is a great initiative to get students to put forward their business plans and ideas.